The first duty of the state is the defence of the realm. Nuclear arms limitation and reduction with a view to worldwide abolition would indeed be a fine achievement.
Unilateral disarmament though would leave this peace keeping country naked and exposed in a dangerous world where only the bad guys end up with the weapons. Pax Britannica serves Pax Christi.
Your kindly correspondent writes to promote a London Peace Rally later this month. While in Trafalgar Square I’d commend to him the dying words of Nelson (there high above him): “Thank God I have done my duty”. He meant exactly that.
A 100 years peace in Europe was achieved as much by sound tactical positioning and a credible deterrent – the power of the Fleet - as any actual resort to force of arms. The alternative was the invasion of mainland Britain.
DAVID J ADDINGTON
New Park
March
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